Ecuador
The Galapagos Islands and Ecuador are home to incredible wildlife, such as the famous
Galapagos Turtle and the lesser known, but more common Red Rock or Sally Lightfoot
crab (pictured). Begin Your Journey!

Chile
The Andes dominate much of Chile, including the breath-taking Torres del Paine National
Park (pictured). However, the country also hosts the world's driest desert and
a thriving metropolis. Begin Your Journey!

Bolivia
This hidden gem is full of surprises, from the impressive salt flats (pictured)
to the migrating flamingos. It also clings to the most historic indigenous culture
on the continent. Explore Bolivia!

The earliest forms of architecture in Colombia have not
stood the test of time. The Muisca built primarily from clay and wood so no original
structures have survived from the pre-Columbian time. Most of their structures were
houses and little else. Most of these homes were in the shape of a cone and could
rise up to be quite tall. They had few to no windows and were simply a shelter for
the people.

With the arrival of the Spanish and colonization the architecture
forever changed. Colombia became a center of Spanish rule
and the architecture in the country reflects this base of power. Nearly all colonial
towns were built in the Spanish style and layout, which means most cities are on
a grid plan centered around a large Baroque cathedral. Of course this isn't
the case for every city and town. Sadly, few of these original structures appear
in their original state as the heat, humidity, and rains have demanded modern repairs
if not complete destruction of these buildings. Despite this, the historic heart
of most cities remains and many have been repaired to at least appear in their original
form.

The colonial highlights in Colombia start with the capital
of Bogota and also with the Caribbean port city of Cartagena. Much of Bogota's
historic heart is in the colonial style and some of the most impressive buildings
from this time period include the Palacio de San Carlos, the Iglesia del Carmen,
Iglesia del Monserrate, and many other buildings in La Candelaria.

Cartagena is a great mix of Spanish and Caribbean in style
as the city blossomed as the major port during colonial times. This historic city
boasts a massive wall around the city as well as fortresses including Castillo de
San Felipe de Barajas (1600-1700s). These fortifications were needed to protect
the lands, the trade, and of course the city itself which boasts numerous colonial
buildings from the time. The Catedral de Cartagena (or the Cathedral of Santa Catalina
de Alejandria, 1612), the Church of Santo Domingo (1549), and the Convent of La
Popa (1609-1611) are the religious highlights, but a stroll around town displays
the numerous colonial houses, which add much depth to the city as many are brightly
painted in a style common in the Caribbean.

Despite the highlights of Bogota and Cartagena, the country is home to numerous
colonial structures and nearly every city founded during this time is home to at
least one building from this era. The towns of Mompox, Popayan, and Villa de Leyva
are all excellent examples of the colonial past.

With independence in the early 1800s the architecture in Colombia
changed, but also slowed for some time. Neo-Classical architecture became popular
at this time as the Catedral Primada de Colombia (1823) in Bogota and the Teatro
de Cristobal Colon (1885) are in the style. Other buildings in other styles were
also built in the 1800s, but without as much fanfare.

In the 1900s numerous international styles hit Colombia,
but again few made a substantial impact. One of the more impressive buildings from
this time is the Palacio Nacional in Cali (1933). It wasn't until the latter
half of the 1900s that Colombia again hit its architectural stride. Modernism and
post-modernism have become popular in the country, especially in the capital of
Bogota as sky scrapers are common. The post-modernism movement has taken hold most
strongly in the city of Medellin. The city has become a growing center of new construction
as unique and creative designs are being built. Among the most impressive of these
buildings are the Parque Biblioteca Espana and the addition to the Museum of Modern
Art.